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As the UK approaches its fourth heatwave of the summer, Britons will be once again battling with swathes of insects and mosquitos flooding their homes.
Hotter days tend to make bugs and mosquitos more active, while longer daylight hours also draw people outdoors into their biting range.
Indeed, according to Dr Mojca Kristan, an assistant professor in medical entomology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the unprecedented heat this summer has been optimal for a surge in numbers.
She previously told The Daily Mail: ‘Weather conditions in the UK at the moment are perfect for mosquitos. They like warmth as well as standing water to lay their eggs in.
‘As the weather continues to warm up, I would expect mosquitos to emerge and start biting to get the blood they need to breed.’
According to new research from Wasp-Eze, one in eight Britons are likely to be bitten insider their own home, while six per cent have even been bitten in bed, as July marks peak insect season.
But with numerous products on the market that promise freedom from the fear of a bug bite, it can be hard to know which are truly worth the investment.
From sprays to lotions, traps and even unique gadgets, these are the spray-free miracle solutions experts are urging homeowners to try in a bid to avoid any more nasty bites…
From sprays to lotions, traps and even unique gadgets, these are the spray-free miracle solutions experts are urging homeowners to try in a bid to avoid any more nasty bites…
Body oils
Body oils, such as the AVON Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray aren’t actually designed to be a bug repellent. It’s instead formulated as a moisturising body oil to spray on after a bath or shower.
But as it happens, the ingredient list containing jojoba oil and citronellol means spraying this on before you venture outside this summer might actually help to deter pesky summer bugs including mosquitos, midges and ticks.
What’s more, its moisturising formula makes it perfect to use after a long day spent in the sunshine, quick to soak in, you’re not left with that annoying greasy feeling on your skin after use.
Natural Scents
According to Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control, ‘certain scents can make it harder for mosquitos to locate humans or make an area less attractive to them’.
He added: ‘While these natural options can help deter mosquitos, they generally work best when used alongside other preventative measures.’
In particular, he recommended trying lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lavender or peppermint.
‘Lemon eucalyptus is one of the most effective natural mosquito deterrents, providing around 4–6 hours of protection, depending on the concentration,’ Daniel explained.
‘It contains an active ingredient called PMD, which interferes with mosquitos’ odour receptors, making it more difficult for them to detect human scent.
‘Citronella is another popular natural mosquito repellent. It contains compounds such as citronellal, geraniol and citronellol, which help to mask the scents mosquitos use to locate people.
‘Lavender contains natural compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, which are thought to reduce mosquito attraction. Lavender essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin, added to lotions, or used in an indoor or outdoor diffuser.
‘Peppermint contains the strong-smelling compounds menthol and menthone, which can interfere with mosquitos’ ability to locate people.’
Insect screens (or salad!)
According to Tina Loveland, Senior Designer at insect screen manufacturer Appeal Shading, ‘the only foolproof way’ to deal with mosquitos ‘is to stop them from coming in altogether’.
She added: ‘You might think insect screens to be something more continental as a home feature, but investing in these for your windows and doors is the best way to stop winged insects from getting in.
‘However, if you don’t have insect screens, try making a Caesar Salad! As it happens, ants can’t stand the taste of cucumber, so next time you’re making a salad for lunch, place some cucumber slices in troublesome areas to ward off invaders.’
White vinegar and herbs
Daniel explained: ‘Bicarbonate of soda is an excellent odour neutraliser. It can help absorb and reduce the smells that attract flies in the first place, such as food waste and rubbish odours.
‘Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in and around rubbish bins or in areas where food odours tend to linger.’
According to Mike Rondas, General Manager at Wasp-Eze, ‘mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying it around window frames, sills, corners, and doorways is an effective way to deter unwanted insects.
He added: ‘The scent naturally repels common insects; you can even add essential oils like peppermint or lavender to provide extra protection and leave your home smelling fresh.
‘Fresh herbs also act as a living insect repellent. Pots of basil, mint, rosemary and lavender can all help naturally deter insects when placed on windowsills, doorways or window boxes.’
Apple cider vinegar trap
According to Daniel, this is one of the most understated hacks for eradicating mosquitos or bugs from the home.
He added: ‘A bowl of apple cider vinegar with a drop of washing-up liquid works well, as it attracts flies and breaks the surface tension so they sink.
‘Mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying it around window frames, sills, corners, and doorways is an effective way to deter unwanted insects.
‘The scent naturally repels common insects; you can even add essential oils like peppermint or lavender to provide extra protection and leave your home smelling fresh.’
Orange peel
Deliberately placing orange peel in areas of your home can serve as a smart, yet effective, method for removing unwanted bugs.
‘This aversion is primarily due to a compound called D-limonene, which is abundant in the oils of citrus fruits,’ Daniel explained.
‘Place fresh orange peels near entry points like windowsills, doorways, or kitchen surfaces. The strong citrus scent can help deter flies and other insects from coming inside.
‘For something a little stronger, especially in outdoor settings, try combining the orange peels with cloves.
‘The mix of aromas is particularly off-putting to insects and works well on patios or during outdoor meals. The D-limonene in the peels has been shown to repel a variety of insects, including flies, mosquitos, and ants.’
Screens in doorways
According to Mark Sage, B&Q’s Horticultural Expert, ‘screens in doorways offer a simple, physical barrier to prevent flies, mosquitos, and other insects coming inside without compromising on fresh air, screens allow the breeze to flow freely through the home.
‘Best placed in busy doorways that lead outside, easy-to-use magnetic or sliding design options mean families and guests can move between spaces without losing that open, indoor-outdoor feel.’
Caulking Windows
Caulking the windows can help ensure insects have a less probable chance of entering your home this summer.
Mark noted: ‘Sealing small gaps and cracks around window frames helps prevent flies, ants, spiders and other unwanted pests from finding their way inside.
‘Silicone sealants or caulk rope can be easily applied at home and help to create a stronger physical barrier against insects.’
Quirky gadgets
Pharmacist Abbas Kannai, noted that ‘gadgets such as electric insect traps and UV light devices can be useful in enclosed spaces for some flying insects, although they tend to be less effective against mosquitos than repellents or physical barriers’.
She added: ‘Fans can also be surprisingly effective, as mosquitos are weak flyers and the airflow makes it harder for them to land.’
Insect repellent (but with the correct ingredients)
While there are numerous insect repellents on the market, Abbas explained that the most effective are those which ‘contain proven active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus extract (PMD)’.
She added: ‘If you’re spending time outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active, reapply repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.’
Patches
According to Daniel, patches are a spray-free effective way to ward off any bugs this summer as they are ‘usually infused with essential oils such as citronella or lemon eucalyptus, that you stick to clothing’.
He added: ‘They’re convenient and mess-free and can offer a little localised protection, but the effect is generally short-lived and limited to the area immediately around the patch rather than protecting the whole body.
‘They’re best thought of as a mild, supplementary option rather than a reliable standalone defence.’
Bands and wristbands
Likewise, bands and wristbands ‘slowly release essential oils such as citronella or geraniol’.
‘They’re easy to wear and reusable, but research has repeatedly shown they tend to protect only the small area of skin immediately around the band, leaving the rest of the body exposed,’ noted Daniel.
‘They can be a handy extra for short spells outdoors, but shouldn’t be relied on as your main form of protection.
Catnip
While a seemingly unusual option, catnip is often being cited as a method for battling mosquitoes and bugs, with some studies suggesting that it can perform comparably to synthetic repellents.
Daniel explained: ‘It contains a compound called nepetalactone. That said, the effect is relatively short-lived and it’s less practical than a dedicated repellent, so while the plant or its oil can be worth experimenting with, it’s best used alongside other measures rather than on its own.’
Thermacell devices
Described as the ‘device that makes mosquitos disappear’, thermacells are a portable device that are said to ‘create an invisible 20m² zone of protection’ from undesired bugs.
According to Daniel, these are most effective in ‘still, calm conditions, though a breeze will disperse the vapour and reduce how well they work’.
He added: ‘They can be a useful option for a patio or seating area, but they protect a set space rather than the individual, so they work best in sheltered spots and alongside other measures.’
Body oils
Body oils, such as the AVON Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray aren’t actually designed to be a bug repellent. It’s instead formulated as a moisturising body oil to spray on after a bath or shower.
But as it happens, the ingredient list containing jojoba oil and citronellol means spraying this on before you venture outside this summer might actually help to deter pesky summer bugs including mosquitos, midges and ticks.
What’s more, its moisturising formula makes it perfect to use after a long day spent in the sunshine, quick to soak in, you’re not left with that annoying greasy feeling on your skin after use.
